University of Lincoln Sarah Swift Building

Lincoln, UK

Key Facts

A key strategy for our engineers was to enable pre-fabrication of services, which would save both time and cost on this project

We incorporated a number of energy efficient systems in our building services strategy, including solar control glazing and 200m² of photovoltaics

Our engineers worked closely with the architect and the university’s estates team to minimise risk in the final design for the new building

Live and learn

Designed to house the School of Health and Social Care and the School of Psychology – two of the largest departments in the University of Lincoln – the Sarah Swift building will support continued growth in the disciplines and enhance the student learning experience.

The new academic building will accommodate a diverse range of learning and research spaces, including teaching areas, offices, laboratories and nurse training facilities.

CHALLENGE

A key element of the brief for this specialist building was to create spaces that have the right environmental conditions, vibration levels and acoustic separation for their different functions, while ensuring the building remains simple to commission, build and operate. In addition, our client is committed to creating a sustainable building that will further scientific research without compromising on environmental credentials.

When complete, the Sarah Swift building will provide students and staff with world class teaching and research facilities. Image: Faulkner Browns

SOLUTION

In order to achieve the most effective design possible, the BuroHappold Engineering team developed 3D models of all the rooms at an early stage to ensure users’ requirements were clearly captured, while demonstrating to the client’s estates team that the services were co-ordinated and accessible. This resulted in a flat slab structural design that will allow for a more straight forward installation of services, and allow for greater flexibility of use in the future.

To create a sustainable facility, our engineers focused on delivering simple solutions that are designed for long term use. We carefully considered the building services strategy to ensure it was energy efficient yet robust, devising an overall environmental approach that maximises the use of daylight and natural ventilation, while incorporating mechanical ventilation to ensure the close control environments required in some areas. In addition, we incorporated a number of other low energy systems, including solar control glazing and 200m2photovoltaic panels for on site energy generation.

We developed 3D models of each room in the building to test our designs and ensure we produced flexible, futureproof engineering solutions. Image: Faulkner Brown

VALUE

Designed with simplicity, high quality and sustainability in mind, the Sarah Swift building will provide purpose built, fully flexible facilities for university students and staff alike. In doing so, it will enable the world class research and development programme undertaken by both schools to grow within its walls.

When complete, the Sarah Swift building will provide students and staff with world class teaching and research facilities. Image: Faulkner Browns

Services and approach

When we integrate our specialist teams around an approach, the benefits to the client multiply

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About us

BuroHappold Engineering is an international, integrated engineering consultancy operating in 21 locations worldwide, with 60 partners and over 1700 employees including some of the world’s leading consulting engineers. For over 40 years we’ve been building our reputation for delivering creative, value led building and city solutions for an ever changing world.

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